The San Saba news. [volume] (San Saba, Tex.) 1873-1966, 1887-01-21
Washington's Death AMI Obseouies.

After Washington's retirement to
Mount Vernon he busted himself with
his farming interests, and during the
last few weeks of his life he was oceu-
pied devising a system for the manage
ment of his estates. My great concern, -
he said at the time, sis to have all these
/ concerns in such clear and distinct
/ form that no reproach can attach Itself
/ to me when | have taken my departure
/ for the land of spirits. This system of
farm management was intended for his
overssers. 1t was written out on thirty
folio pages, and completed December 10,
1893.
/ The next day there was mud and rain
and Washington noted in his diary that
at night there was large circle round
the moon. The morning of the l2th
was overcast. That morning he wrote
long letter to Hamilton--the last he
ever wrote in regard 10 a plan for
military academy. About 10 O'Clock he
started on horseback 10 make his usual
round of his farms. Soon after noon it
began to snow, and then turned 10 a cold
rain. Notwithstanding the inclemency
of the weather he continued to ride on,
and did not return to his house until
after 3. VIII n his secretary, Alr. Lear,
expressed the fear that he was wet, he
answered no, his great coat bad kept him
dry, and sat down to dinner without
changing his dress.
The night was a very stormy one, and
the next morning he complained Of a
sore throat In the evening he was
boarse, but in spite of his hoarseness he
L. IL to
secretary and Mrs. Washington from the
newspapers which had been brought in
from the posio ficc When urged to take
some medicine before retiring ne replied
''No. you know Inever take anthing for
4 cold. Let it 90 as it came"
That nigit he became extremely i'll
he had severe chill and experienced
much di fculty in breathing. But he
,yo2ld &c: .2llsa the household 10 be dis
turbed until morning. Then a gargle
Was prepared for his throat, but in the
attempt to apply it he was almost suffo.
Gated. A servant was dispatched to Al
exandria for Dr. Craik, and in the mean
time he was bled by one Of his overseers.
DIR. Craik arrived about nine O'Clock and
later in the day two other physicians were
called All the efforts of the doctors to
relieve him were unavailing, and betEeen |
ten and eleven O'Clock that nightlse died. |
Mrs. Washington sat at tls5 foot of the |
foot Of the bed watching him when his |
spirit passed away is he gomez" she |
asked, in calm tone. DIR. Craik was
unable to speak. but held up his hand |
as Il sigma; that Washington was dead. |
1t is well, said the grand old dame.
''All is now over. l shall soon follow |
him. Washington expired without a
or sigh. From the first he be- |
lieved the attack would prove fatal and |
during the day frequently gave express
sion to the feeling or resignation with |
which he met his end.
Tne remains of the Father of his |
Country were buried in the family vault /
at Mount Vernon on the 18th of Deem |
Der The rubbish had been cleared away |
from the entrance to the tomb and door |
made to close the vault, which be-ore |
had been closed with brick. \ schooner |
was placed in the river to fire minute |
guns and there were eleven pieces Of can
non in the funeral procession, which be-
gan to move about three O'Clock. The |
\ irginia militia formed the escort, then
came the Generals horse, with his sad
lie, holsters and pistol, led bv two |
grooms in black. The body was borne by
Free Masons from the Alexandria Lodge.
Nashington's family and personal friends
followed, the corporation of Alexandria
md people closing the procession. The
Rev. Mr.. Davis read the funeral service
md made short addr sss, after which
he Masonic ceremony was performed
md the body placed in the vault
The scenes at Washington's death-b bed
md at his obsequies were characterized
" that grandeur of simplicity which
vas marked feature in lVashington's /
Nicazo Nears.